Around 60 people joined Shackleford farmer Angus Stovold to light the beacon, waving banners and flags of protest as they prepare to make their stand against, among other issues, a proposed Government hunting ban.

Around 2,000 fires were lit across the country, but support for the Liberty March in Surrey is as strong as anywhere.

There are 17 coaches planned to take local campaigners from the Guildford area, and banners advertising the march adorn many houses in rural areas including Shackleford, Eashing and Godalming.

The national beacon co-ordinator, Charles Mann, said: “We have been overwhelmed with the response from the countryside.

“Farmers in particular have been extremely supportive. The beacons have provided rural people with an opportunity to speak with one voice, uniting behind a common cause.”